Martha Gough helped bring some early spring colour to a community centre as part of a communal effort to brighten up the area.

Martha Goughe

The idea came from parents whose children attend the Jack and Jill Playgroup which meets at West Bicester community centre.

Committee member Melina Pignataro said: "Every time we go into the centre we think something should be done with the gardens on either side of the front door. So we decided to clear out the old weeds, grass and rubble and improve the appearance of the building."

They were joined by half a dozen Bicester Community College pupils, who are working towards a gardening award as part of an Eco School initiative.

Help with plants and flowers came from the Good Value Nursery at Bunker's Hill, near Kidlington, and Blooms Garden Centre in Oxford Road, Bicester.